On Monday Mitsubishi said that it agreed to acquire Cermaq in cash deal for 96 kroner per share ($15.11). It’s 14.3 percent premium to Cermaq’s closing prince on Friday.

“The offer recognizes the financial and strategic value of Cermaq and delivers an attractive offer premium to the shareholders,” said Rebekka Glasser Herlofsen, chairwoman of the board of directors of Cermaq, “In addition, Mitsubishi Corporation represents a strategic and industrial fit by strengthening Cermaq’s presence and reach in the important Asian markets.”

The Norwegian goverment, which is majority owner of Cermaq – owns 59.17 percent of company – supports the sale. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries said on Monday that it could sell shares to another party “if such party should present a more attractive offer than Mitsubishi.”

Cermaq, which is operating in Chile and Canada, as well as in Norway, is one of the world’s biggest companies in salmon farming. Last year was sold 142 300 tonnes gutted weight of salmon, it is about 6 percent of the global market. (More than 70 percent of salmon sold in stores comes from fish farms.)

“A new owner of Cermaq with a strong position in emerging economies can contribute to develop new markets for both Cermaq and maybe also the Norwegian fish farming industry as a whole,” said Ms. Mæland.

Cermaq, listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, produces about 170 000 metric tons of salmon each year with activities in Chile, Canada and Norway. Fast growing fish farming industry in Norway over the past 40 years, becoming the scond-largest fish exproter after China.